A collaborative study on the robustness and portability of a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry method for peptide mapping was performed by an international team, consisting of 13 independent ... [more ▼]

A collaborative study on the robustness and portability of a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry method for peptide mapping was performed by an international team, consisting of 13 independent laboratories from academia and industry. All participants used the same batch of samples, reagents and coated capillaries to run their assays, whereas they utilized the capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry equipment available in their laboratories. The equipment used varied in model, type and instrument manufacturer. Furthermore, different types of sheath-flow capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry interfaces were used. Migration time, peak height and peak area of ten representative target peptides of trypsin-digested bovine serum albumin were determined by every laboratory on two consecutive days. The data were critically evaluated to identify outliers and final values for means, repeatability (precision within a laboratory) and reproducibility (precision between laboratories) were established. For relative migration time the repeatability was between 0.05 and 0.18% RSD and the reproducibility between 0.14 and 1.3% RSD. For relative peak area repeatability and reproducibility values obtained were 3–12 and 9–29% RSD, respectively. These results demonstrate that capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry is robust enough to allow a method transfer across multiple laboratories and should promote a more widespread use of peptide mapping and other capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry applications in biopharmaceutical analysis and related fields. [less ▲]

To further evaluate the feasibility and applicability of the one-pot strategy in monolithic column preparation, two novel beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized organic polymeric monoliths were prepared using ... [more ▼]

To further evaluate the feasibility and applicability of the one-pot strategy in monolithic column preparation, two novel beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized organic polymeric monoliths were prepared using two beta-cyclodextrin derivatives, i.e. mono(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin and heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin. In this improved method, mono(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin or heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin reacted with glycidyl methacrylate to generate the corresponding functional monomers and were subsequently copolymerized with ethylene dimethacrylate. The polymerization conditions for both monoliths were carefully optimized to obtain satisfactory column performance with respect to column efficiency, reproducibility, permeability, and stability. The obtained poly(glycidyl methacrylate-mono(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate-heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths exhibited a uniform structure, good permeability, and mechanical stability as indicated by scanning electron microscopy and micro-high-performance liquid chromatography experimental results. Because of the probable existence of multi-glycidyl methacrylate linking spacers on the poly(glycidyl methacrylate-heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith, the effect of the ratio of glycidyl methacrylate/heptakis(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin was especially studied, and satisfactory reproducibility could still be achieved by strictly controlling the composition of the polymerization mixture. To investigate the effect of the degree of amino substitution of beta-cyclodextrin on column performance, a detailed comparison of the two monoliths was also carried out using series of analytes including small peptides and chiral acids. It was found that the beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized monolith with mono-glycidyl methacrylate linking spacers demonstrated better chiral separation performance than that with multi-glycidyl methacrylate linking spacers. [less ▲]

Challenges in decomposition odour profiling have led to variation in the documented odour profile by different research groups worldwide. Background subtraction and use of controls are important ... [more ▼]

Challenges in decomposition odour profiling have led to variation in the documented odour profile by different research groups worldwide. Background subtraction and use of controls are important considerations given the variation introduced by decomposition studies conducted in different geographical environments. The collection of volatile organic compounds from soil beneath decomposing remains is challenging due to the high levels of inherent soil volatile organic compounds, further confounded by the use of highly sensitive instrumentation. This study presents a method that provides suitable chromatographic resolution for profiling decomposition odour in soil by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry using appropriate controls and field blanks. Logarithmic transformation and t-testing of compounds permitted the generation of a compound list of decomposition volatile organic compounds in soil. Principal component analysis demonstrated the improved discrimination between experimental and control soil, verifying the value of the data handling method. Data handling procedures have not been well documented in this field and standardisation would thereby reduce misidentification of volatile organic compounds present in the surrounding environment as decomposition byproducts. Uniformity of data handling and instrumental procedures will reduce analytical variation, increasing confidence in the future when investigating the effect of taphonomic variables on the decomposition volatile organic compound profile. [less ▲]

Derivatized beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) functionalized monolithic columns were prepared by a "one-step" strategy using click chemistry. First, the intended derivatized beta-CD monomers were synthesized by a click reaction between propargyl methacrylate and mono-6-azido-beta-CD and then sulfonation or methylation was carried out. Finally, monolithic columns were prepared through a one-step in situ copolymerization of the derivatized beta-CD monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The sulfated beta-CD-based monolith was successfully applied to the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography separation of nucleosides and small peptides, while the methylated beta-CD-functionalized monolith was useful for the separation of nonpolar compounds and drug enantiomers in capillary reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The structures of the monomers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The physicochemical properties and column performance of monoliths were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and micro high performance liquid chromatography. This strategy has considerable prospects for the preparation of other derivatized CD-functionalized methacrylate monoliths. [less ▲]

In tobacco research, the comparison of different tobacco blends as well as the puffdependent <br />behaviour of cigarettes is a matter of particular interest. For the investigation <br />of smoke ... [more ▼]

In tobacco research, the comparison of different tobacco blends as well as the puffdependent <br />behaviour of cigarettes is a matter of particular interest. For the investigation <br />of smoke characteristics, GC6GC offers different ways for data analysis, <br />namely, compound target analysis, automated peak-based compound classification <br />and comprehensive pixel-based data analysis. This study will show the application <br />as well as the pros and cons of these types of data analysis for very complex matrices <br />like cigarette particulate matter. In addition, new aspects about the recently discovered <br />puff-dependent behaviour of compounds in cigarette smoke will be presented. <br />Automated peak-based compound classification including mass spectrometric pattern <br />recognition is used for the classification of tobacco particulate matter samples <br />and the puff-dependent investigation of different compound classes. This compound <br />group specific analysis is further reinforced by applying an even more comprehensive <br />pixel-based analysis. This kind of analysis is used to generate fingerprints of <br />different types of cigarettes. The combination of fast feature reduction methods like <br />analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test with multivariate feature transformation <br />methods like partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLSDA) for feature selection <br />provides a powerful tool for a detailed inspection of different types of cigarettes. [less ▲]

The aim of this study was to find if fast microwave assisted extraction could be an alternative to the conventional soxhlet extraction for the quantification of rotenone in yam bean seeds by solid phase ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to find if fast microwave assisted extraction could be an alternative to the conventional soxhlet extraction for the quantification of rotenone in yam bean seeds by solid phase extraction and HPLC-UV. For this purpose, an experimental design was used to determine the optimal conditions of the microwave extraction. Then the values of the quantification on three accessions from two different species of yam bean seeds were compared using the two different kinds of extraction. A microwave extraction of 11 min at 55°C using methanol/dichloromethane (50:50) allowed rotenone extraction either equivalently or more efficiently than the 8h soxhlet extraction method and was less sensitive to moisture content. The selectivity, precision, trueness, accuracy and limit of quantification of themethod with microwave extraction were also demonstrated. [less ▲]

A novel, facile, and efficient one-step copolymerization strategy was developed for the preparation of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) methacrylate monolithic columns using click chemistry. The novel mono-(1H ... [more ▼]

A novel, facile, and efficient one-step copolymerization strategy was developed for the preparation of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) methacrylate monolithic columns using click chemistry. The novel mono-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl)-2-methylacryl-beta-CD monomer was synthesized by a click reaction between propargyl methacrylate and mono-6-azido-beta-CD, and then monolithic columns were prepared through a one-step in situ copolymerization of the mono-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl)-2-methylacryl-beta-CD monomer and ethylene dimethacrylate. The physicochemical properties and column performance of the fabricated monolithic columns were characterized by elemental analysis, SEM, and micro-HPLC. Satisfactory column permeability, efficiency, and separation performance were obtained for the optimized poly(mono-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl)-2-methylacryl-beta-CD-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolithic columns. Additionally, typical hydrophilic interaction chromatography retention behavior was observed on the monoliths at high acetonitrile content in the mobile phase. Although the enantioselectivity of our monolithic columns did not meet the level of other reported beta-CD monolithic columns, this one-step strategy based on click chemistry still provides an interesting and effective model as it offers the possibility to easily prepare related novel CD methacrylate monoliths through a one-step copolymerization strategy. [less ▲]

In this study, the partial filling technique on both polycationic polymer hexadimethrine bromide (HDB) modified capillary and eCAP neutral capillary were systematically compared in order to enhance the ... [more ▼]

In this study, the partial filling technique on both polycationic polymer hexadimethrine bromide (HDB) modified capillary and eCAP neutral capillary were systematically compared in order to enhance the enantioseparation ability of bromobalhimycin as CE additive. The separation conditions, such as pH, the plug length, and the concentration of bromobalhimycin, etc., were optimized in order to obtain satisfactory separations. As expected, for all tested 28 N-benzoylated amino acids, up to five times higher enantioresolutions were obtained on the eCAP neutral capillary compared to that on the polycationic polymer hexadimethrine bromide modified capillary. Moreover, 26 of 28 tested racemic compounds were almost baseline- resolved without observing any interference from the front of the plug of bromobalhimycin. Although the limitation of longer running time on the neutral capillary, it allows the use of higher content of bromobalhimycin in the running buffer without any interference on the detection of analytes when enantioseparations are more difficult to obtain. [less ▲]

In this study, the migration behavior of charged and uncharged analytes was investigated under different conditions. Effective mobilities - electrophoretic mobilities under the influence of micelles - of ... [more ▼]

In this study, the migration behavior of charged and uncharged analytes was investigated under different conditions. Effective mobilities - electrophoretic mobilities under the influence of micelles - of cations, anions, and neutrals were measured at neutral, basic, and acidic pH (7.5, 11, and 2.2) using background electrolytes containing different sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentrations (0-90 mM) and acetonitrile (ACN) proportions (0-75%). SDS concentration and ACN proportion were found to have a tremendous effect on the effective mobilities and migration order of the model compounds. Although the SDS micelles preferably interact with neutrals and cations, hydrophobic bonds can also occur with anions. Cations, anions, and neutrals having rather different migration behaviors, it is possible to considerably enhance the selectivity of the method by adjusting properly the SDS concentration and the ACN proportion. These observations confirm the interest of using micellar electrokinetic chromatography not only for the separation of neutral substances but also to analyze charged compounds. [less ▲]

Micro-high-performance liquid chromatography is a miniaturized, economic and ecological chromatographic system allowing the use of reduced size chromatographic columns. Coupled with electrospray ... [more ▼]

Micro-high-performance liquid chromatography is a miniaturized, economic and ecological chromatographic system allowing the use of reduced size chromatographic columns. Coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, this technique can be used to detect and quantify low concentrations of peptides. In this study, hepcidin was used as the model compound and analysed using octadecylsilica stationary phase by means of a gradient elution mode at a flow rate of 4 muL/min. Several parameters were studied to optimize peak focusing. Using the methodology of experimental design, the mobile-phase gradient conditions and the sample composition were optimized in order to maximize the sensitivity and minimize retention time. Stability of the target peptide in solution was also demonstrated. [less ▲]

The discrimination ability of three cellulose-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) was evaluated towards the enantiomers of basic drugs, using ACN as the main solvent in polar organic mobile phases. The ... [more ▼]

The discrimination ability of three cellulose-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) was evaluated towards the enantiomers of basic drugs, using ACN as the main solvent in polar organic mobile phases. The study was focused on CSPs containing cellulose tris(3-chloro-4-methylphenylcarbamate) (3-Cl-4-MePC), cellulose tris(4-chloro-3-methylphenylcarbamate) (4-Cl-3-MePC) or cellulose tris(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate) (3,5-diClPC) as the chiral selector. The behaviour of these CSPs was studied systematically in order to investigate the influence of the presence and position of the chlorine substituents on the phenylcarbamate moieties on the retention and resolution of the enantiomers. The evaluation was made with three different generic mobile phases, namely ACN/0.1%DEA/0.1% TFA (DEA, diethylamine), ACN/0.1%DEA/0.2% FA and ACN/0.1%DEA/0.2%AcA, deduced from the previous study. The nature of the acidic additive and of the chiral selector was found to be particularly important for the retention and enantioresolution of these basic compounds. High-resolution values could be obtained for most studied enantiomers with these CSPs, clearly demonstrating the interest of using them in combination with polar organic mobile phases. However, significant differences in enantioresolution between the CSPs have been observed for many compounds, indicating that these phases seem to be quite complementary. [less ▲]

An LC method was developed and prevalidated for the enantiomeric purity determination of S-amlodipine in polar organic solvent chromatography using a chlorine-containing cellulose-based chiral stationary ... [more ▼]

An LC method was developed and prevalidated for the enantiomeric purity determination of S-amlodipine in polar organic solvent chromatography using a chlorine-containing cellulose-based chiral stationary phase (CSP). The concentration of formic acid (FA) (0.01-0.2%) in the mobile phase containing acetonitrile as the main solvent was found to influence the elution order of amlodipine enantiomers as well as the enantioresolution. A reversal of the enantiomer elution order of amlodipine was only observed with chiral stationary phases with both electron-withdrawing (chloro) and electron-donating groups (methyl) on the phenyl moieties of the chiral selector, namely cellulose tris(3-chloro-4-methylphenylcarbamate) and cellulose tris(4-chloro-3-methylphenylcarbamate). The highest enantioresolution (R(s) : 4.1) value was obtained at the lowest FA concentration (0.01%) using cellulose tris(4-chloro-3-methylphenylcarbamate) as the chiral selector and the enantiomeric impurity, R-amlodipine, eluted first under these conditions. Therefore, the mobile phase selected for the prevalidation of the method consisted of ACN/0.1% DEA/0.01% FA and the temperature was set at 25 degrees C. The method was prevalidated by means of the strategy based on the total measurement error and the accuracy profile. The method was found to be selective and the limit of quantification was found to be about 0.05% for R-amlodipine, while the limit of detection was close to 0.02%. [less ▲]

In the present study the migration order of the propranolol enantiomers with various native CDs and neutral and charged CD derivatives was examined in capillary electrophoresis (CE). The reversal of the ... [more ▼]

In the present study the migration order of the propranolol enantiomers with various native CDs and neutral and charged CD derivatives was examined in capillary electrophoresis (CE). The reversal of the enantiomer migration order was observed due to sulfation of β-CD on its primary hydroxy groups. The structures of intermolecular selector-selectand temporary diastereomeric associates in solution were elucidated based on 1D rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (1D ROESY) experiments. Major structural differences were observed between the propranolol complexes with native β-CD and heptakis(6-O-sulfo)-β-CD. [less ▲]

The resolving power of a new commercial polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phase, Sepapak-4, with cellulose tris(4-chloro-3-methylphenylcarbamate) coated on silica microparticles as chiral selector ... [more ▼]

The resolving power of a new commercial polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phase, Sepapak-4, with cellulose tris(4-chloro-3-methylphenylcarbamate) coated on silica microparticles as chiral selector, was evaluated toward the enantioseparation of ten basic drugs with widely different structures and hydrophobic properties, using ACN as the main component of the mobile phase. A multivariate approach (experimental design) was used to screen the factors (temperature, n-hexane content, acidic and basic additives) likely to influence enantioresolution. Then, the optimization was performed using a face-centered central composite design. Complete enantioseparation could be obtained for almost all tested chiral compounds, demonstrating the high chiral discrimination ability of this chiral stationary phase using polar organic mobile phases made up of ACN and containing an acidic additive (TFA or formic acid), 0.1% diethylamine and n-hexane. These results clearly illustrate the key role of the nature of the acidic additive in the mobile phase. [less ▲]

The small amount of lipids from human skin obtained with noninvasive sampling method led us to investigate microanalytical separation techniques. The lipid class analysis was performed with a micro ... [more ▼]

The small amount of lipids from human skin obtained with noninvasive sampling method led us to investigate microanalytical separation techniques. The lipid class analysis was performed with a micro polyvinyl alcohol-silica (PVA-Silm) column. The gradient elution was from heptane to acetone/butanol 90:10 v/v in 4%/min at 78 lL/ min. In addition an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) was modified for micro-LC. All solvents contained 0.1% of triethylamine and formic acid in stoichiometric amount, which increased the ELSD response. In these conditions, the cholesterol eluted before free fatty acid, and squalene and triglycerides close to the dead volume. The various ceramide classes eluted following the order of the increased number of hydroxyl groups. The LOD for ceramides was 2.2 ng. The advantages of this method are the use of a normal stationary phase more reliable due to its chemical stability, its surface homogeneity and its development in microchromatography without chlorinated solvents which offers small LOD and the whole profile of lipids present in stratum corneum (SC). A method using a narrow-bore PVA-Sil column was used to collect ceramide fraction. Then the molecular species were analysed with a porous graphitic carbon column in capillary LC using a gradient from CH3OH/CHCl3 70:30 v/v to CHCl3 at 2%/min with a flow rate at 5 lL/min. The LOD obtained for ceramide was 1 ng. Both methods were assessed with SC samples obtained by rinsing a 5.7 cm2 area of the forearm with 25 mL of ethanol. [less ▲]

A liquid chromatography (LC) method using cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (5 mum) as chiral stationary phase (CSP) and a mixture of hexane, 2-propanol, and diethylamine as mobile phase was ... [more ▼]

A liquid chromatography (LC) method using cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (5 mum) as chiral stationary phase (CSP) and a mixture of hexane, 2-propanol, and diethylamine as mobile phase was developed for the simultaneous determination of R-timolol and other potential related substances in S-timolol maleate samples. An experimental design was elaborated in order to test the effects of the different selected factors. Three factors were studied simultaneously, namely the concentrations of 2-propanol and diethylamine as well as the column temperature. The effects of these factors were evaluated statistically. Optimal LC conditions were then deduced by applying a multicriteria decision making approach, namely Derringer's desirability function, for the responses of interest. The developed LC method was compared to the European Pharmacopoeia method and was applied to the determination of R-timolol and other related substances in several samples of S-timolol maleate from different sources. [less ▲]

Aminoglutethimide (AGT) is one of the few examples of chiral drugs that can be enantioseparated by capillary electrophoresis using any of the three native cyclodextrins: alpha-, beta-, or gamma-CD. A ... [more ▼]

Aminoglutethimide (AGT) is one of the few examples of chiral drugs that can be enantioseparated by capillary electrophoresis using any of the three native cyclodextrins: alpha-, beta-, or gamma-CD. A complete resolution of the enantiomers of this compound in cationic form could be achieved with each of the three CDs, using a pH 3 phosphoric acid-triethanolamine buffer. Affinity constants for AGT enantiomers with the three native CDs were determined, confirming that the highest selectivity was given by gamma-CD while the strongest complexation was obtained with beta-CD. However, an opposite affinity pattern was observed with the latter. Selectivity was lower for AGT enantiomers in dual CD systems, compared to that obtained with a single selector at its optimal concentration, which confirms that dual systems are of more limited interest when the two selectors have a similar effect on the analyte mobility. These results are in good agreement with those predicted using recently developed mathematical models. [less ▲]

The separation of four beta-blocking drug substances (atenolol, sotalol, betaxolol, and metoprolol) selected as model basic analytes has been investigated in non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) using the principle of ion-pair formation. Camphorsulphonate was selected as the counter-ion in a background electrolyte (BGE) made up of formate buffer in a mixture of acetonitrile/methanol or acetonitrile/ethanol. The influence on resolution of the concentration of the counter-ion, the nature and proportion of the organic solvents, as well as the concentration of the ionic components of the BGE was first studied by a univariate approach. An experimental design was then applied to estimate possible quadratic effects and first-order interactions. To identify the most important factors affecting the separation of the four beta-blockers, a two-level fractional factorial design with 16 experimental points was applied as a screening test. A three factor Box-Behnken design with 12 experimental points was used to predict and optimize the selectivity. Finally the optimal conditions obtained by the univariate and the multivariate, approaches were compared. [less ▲]